MediaAdvisory: PETERSON FATALITY NAMED

An Airman from the 21st Dental Squadron here is dead and one civilian was injured in a vehicle crash at Highway 94 and Marksheffel Road at about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. 

Staff Sgt. Jorge Barba, a 28-year-old Air Force dental laboratory journeyman, was pronounced dead at the scene.
"The 21st Space Wing is a family and yesterday we lost one of our own," said Col. Jay Raymond, 21st Space Wing commander Thursday. "I extend my deepest personal condolences to Sergeant Barba's family, friends and his co-workers."
Air Force casualty assistance officers and unit members are assisting Sergeant Barba's family. 

"This includes ensuring that someone is there from the earliest moments to inform and comfort them," said Col. Raymond. "We are committed to taking the best care of Staff Sergeant Barba's family in their time of need." 

Colorado State Patrol reports that Sergeant Barba was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident on Marksheffel Road and Highway 94. 

Sgt. Barba entered active duty on March 21, 2001, and previous assignments include Sheppard

AFB, Texas, and Tinker AFB, Okla.

The accident is under investigation by the Colorado Springs Police Department.
- 30 -
Additional questions can be directed to 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Operations at (719) 556-5185. For inquiries after 4:30 p.m. contact the on-call public affairs representative at (719)556-4555.